Thursday, May 9, 2013

Yangtze River Cruise: Captain’s Farewell Dinner

Thursday, 18th April, 2013.
We were welcomed back onto our boat after our visit to the Shíbǎozhài Pagoda by the smiling faces of the staff along the floating pontoon, and the customary glass of Chinese tea and a hot towel.
I had become quite addicted to just flopping on the bed in our cosy cabin with the curtains wide open, watching the ever-changing scenery glide by.

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Now that we had left the Three Gorges, the countryside was much flatter.  As fertile ground emerged from the river, with the seasonal adjustment in the water level, it was instantly cultivated.

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As we drew closer to Chóngqìng, the “riverscape” became more urban.

Our river journey was drawing to a close, and I relished every image that came smoothly gliding past:
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This giant face in the city of Fengdu is called The Ghost King, and it holds a Guinness World Records title as the biggest sculpture carved on a rock. At 138 meters tall and about 217 meters wide, The Ghost King can be seen from all around the city.  (From http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/fengdhu-ghost-city )


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Fengdu, the "City of Ghosts," is situated on the Ming Hill on the northern bank of the Yangtze River. It attracts tourists from China and overseas to learn about Chinese ghost culture and the afterlife.  Covering the sites are statues and other artistic depictions of ghosts and devils, terrifying works that represent what happens to those who haven't lived good lives after theirs is taken from them. 




The Ghost King is also known as the Devil Hotel.  I don’t know if it is an actual hotel – here it looks eerily empty.  I think I’m pleased that we just sailed past.  Picture from

 
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Last Yangtze sunset.

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(Last Yangtze happy hour).

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Two Chinese dragons welcome us into the dining room for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

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Pat checks out the menu with Yuriy and Tatyana.

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It was a very good dinner (with Australian Jacob’s Creek cab sav).

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